NOLANTOWN MERGER.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 6 December 1924, Page 7

NOLANTOWN MERGER.

PETITIONERS’ CASE CLOSED

ADJOURNMENT UNTIL JANUARY

The commission in connection with the Nolantowri merger proposal continued its sitting this morning, and adjourned until January 30, after Mr H. L. Spratt had closed the case for the petitioners. Mr P. O’Dea, for the objectors, estimated that his case would occuov about i day and a half.

Francis Patrick Doyle, a further witness for the petitioners, advanced two arguments in favour of the merger. He said that assuming, on Nolantown coming into the borough, the unimproved valuation of his property was doubled, his rates would amount to 15s as against his present county rates of just on £3. This meant that if the county were to carry out all the improvements their snecial rate would be an amount above the £3, which, with nothing done, was at present being paid. Under the borough rating the ?ost of improvements would he added to the 15s. Further, the basis of rating for the improvements would not be the same in the county as. in the borough. If he came into the borough he would have the additional benefit to be derived from the different systems of rating. Further evidence concerning the unsatisfactory conditions nrevailing in Nolantown were given bv Thomas P. O Connor, Ernest W. Cate, Frederick J. Hall and Chas. Bradford. Mi Snratt said he had two more witnesses to ''call, but thev were not oresent in court. He asked that he be allowed to close his case and reserve the right to call these two witnesses later.

Mr Spratt’s request was granted, and as the time set down for 'the adjournment was close, Mr O’Dea decided not to open his case until the commission resumed at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 30. After the adjournment had been announced Mr O’Dea said he wished to withdraw . any statements which Mr Spratt might . have taken offence at. He always wished relations between himself and any fellow counsel to be cordial.